Shopify Alternatives – Different Ecommerce Platforms

For years there has been an online battle between e-commerce store owners, arguing over which platform, app or software provider is superior when it comes to creating online stores.

But the reality is, the argument is old, depends on your own personal preferences and even what country you live in, and sadly there is no 'right' answer.

But, there are lots of alternatives to the standard ' Shopify Rules Them All' mentality, and this article will look at a number of Shopify alternatives to help you decide the best platform for you.

Below are the top alternative e-commerce platforms you can check.

WooCommerce & WordPress

For those who love the idea of flexibility and 'open source' software, then you can thank your chosen god or deity that WordPress exists.

WooCommerce is an out of the box e-commerce 'platform' that can easily be added to most WordPress.org websites. WooCommerce can be installed just like any other plugin, with other plugins used to extend your stores functionality, such as taking subscriptions, recurring payments, different payment gateways and even types of stores.

It's quick and easy to set up and with the correct hosting, such as BlueHost you could be sorted within a few hours.

For those who want to DropShip, then using WordPress + WooCommerce is still an option, using apps such as AliDropShip means you can get the same automation as Shopify, but with less of the monthly fees.

Magento

An open source platform, Magento allows you to build an eCommerce store, without the need to learn coding. A bit like Shopify, Magento allows you to have more flexibility, without compromising on the tools or the core aspects required to run an eCommerce store.

Magento does focus around the 'business in a box' model and they push you towards getting stores created by partners, which can become expensive.

BigCommerce

A relatively newcomer in the eCommerce market, they have recently started to push their ads targeting Shopify customers.

They offer quick and easy store set ups and fairly painless experience. With as many, if not arguably more features than its nearest competitor, BigCommerce is becoming a serious contender for the eCommerce space.

They offer multi channel selling, meaning you can track your invent and spending via other markers, such as eBay or Amazon.

Definitely worth checking out.

SquareSpace

Usually used for creating nice looking websites, focused on blogs or selling services, SquareSpace have recently pushed for more eCommerce focused website, allowing people to quickly set up shops or stores to start selling products, services and items online.

They offer a free trial, so you can grab their full site for free while you check out if SquareSpace is for you.

ClickFunnels

One that people still don't believe, but ClickFunnels was built to sell things. It's quite literally a funnel maker.

It may not be your traditional way of setting up a store, but for those who only sell a few items, having a sales funnel is perfect.

With a 14 day trial and access to ready made templates such as this ecom template, you can potentially get up and running quite quickly.

There are a number of platforms and tools that can be used instead of the standard Shopify platform. Some of them are better, some are still being developed and need more time, but it's worth checking out ones such as WordPress, ClickFunnels or BigCommerce.

I started this blog around the second half of 2017, after realising that I wanted to let people know about all the different ways someone could make money online. From DropShipping, Affiliate Marketing, Network Marketing and more.

This blog has now grown to review and explain a variety of different tools and platforms, in the bid to help you.

This blog contains affiliate links, and I will get a commission for purchases made through these links. It doesn’t change anything for you and will on occasion save you money! Enjoy, James,